One Girl's Notions About Life… (un)censored and funky-fresh

An Open Letter to Coach Dantonio

Dear Coach Dantonio,

It is with incredible gratitude and massive amounts of Spartan Pride that I write you this letter. I want to take this opportunity to thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Coach. Your unwavering commitment to achieving success for our Football Program has led us to become Champions.

To understand my gratitude, you should first understand part of my story. I grew up in Lansing, I am a Spartan Alum (’06) and I have been blessed with the incredible opportunity to work for Michigan State University. It’s safe for you to assume I bleed a beautiful shade of Spartan Green and my Michigan State roots run deep. I am not just a “fan”, MSU is part of who I am. When I was a little girl, I fell in love with the game of football. My little Italian Ma taught me how to throw my first spiral. I remember going to MSU games and being in awe of the stadium and the roar of the crowd. I was 5 years old the last time Spartan Nation painted Pasadena green. I didn’t go, but I do remember learning the notion as a little girl that winning the Rose Bowl was the most incredible achievement you could accomplish as a college football player.

I remember writing you a letter the day after you led us to victory over Michigan, in your first year at the helm of our Program. I told you then, that you had given the Spartan Faithful a vision of what we could once again be and what we could achieve. Your leadership has restored the Spartan name that so many of us hold dear. Over the years I’ve watched in awe the way you have handled the Programs biggest successes as well as biggest losses. It has been with integrity, steadfast determination and the commitment to be excellent. You have inspired me to emulate that in my personal and professional life. Coach D, your impact in this World has gone far beyond the walls of Spartan Stadium.

Over the years I have cheered for every touchdown and felt the heartbreak over every loss. All of it serving as a prelude to January 1, 2014. As the clock ticked down in Pasadena on a beautiful New Year’s Day, I stood in the stands with tears in my eyes. Our Spartan Football Team just won The Spartan Nation a long awaited victory and you led them there!

The completion of a goal, a mission, brought victory to the Land of Sparta… And it had the sweet smell of roses!